June 23, 2003
By Thomas Thale
DOG owners in the City of Johannesburg will be relieved to know that they can continue walking their dogs in public open spaces around the city without any fear of prosecution.
The new by-laws on public open-spaces, adopted by the council on Thursday, allow dog-owners to walk their dogs in city parks, provided they are kept "on a leash and under control of a person" at all times and "the person in control of a dog cleans up after the dog."
Earlier this year, there was public outcry when dog owners feared that the new bylaws would mean that they'd be banned from walking their canine friends in the city's parks.
Horse and bicycle riders will also be able to exercise their pastime, but only in "a public open space designated by the Council for that purpose".
The by-laws also open the way for parks such as botanical gardens to charge entrance fees.
Bad news for revellers is that they will no longer be allowed to "consume, brew, store or sell any alcoholic beverage" or even to "use any sound equipment, including a radio, portable hi-fi or car stereo" in city parks. These activities have been outlawed and it will be up to the metro police and the South African Police Service to enforce the prohibition.
People wanting to perform such activities in city parks will first have to apply to the Council for permission to do so.
